Oral hygiene device with liquid dentifrice

ABSTRACT

An Oral Hygiene Device that is a combination toothbrush and a liquid dentifrice that can be either sprayed or rolled onto the teeth for brushing. A case includes a center section, a brush mount, a dentifrice mount and a pair of caps. The brush mount and the dentifrice mount and a pair of caps. The brush mount and the dentifrice mount extend in opposite directions from the center section. A dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice is mounted within the dentifrice mount and a toothbrush is mounted within the brush mount. The liquid dentifrice includes by weight a majority of water and glycerine. Silica providing a gentle abrasive while carbonide peroxide serves as a whitener. Sodium citrate reduces acidity and fluoride prevents tooth decay. In addition a flavoring and a coloring agent are preferably added.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an oral hygiene device preferably for use when traveling, and, more specifically, to a combination device that contains a toothbrush and a liquid dentifrice that can be either sprayed or rolled onto the teeth for brushing.

2. Prior Art

In the Kaminski Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,417, a combination toothbrush and dentifrice is taught. That patent teaches an oral hygiene device with a toothbrush at one end of a tubular structure and a dentifrice at the opposite end of the same tubular structure. The dentifrice proposed in the Kaminski Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,417, is a semi-hard stick of dentifrice that is rubbed on the gums. Such a dentifrice provides excellent dental hygiene. As with any semi-hard substance, the manner in which the dentifrice coats the teeth may not be even. A semi-hard dentifrice can break off in small lumps. Despite this, the semi-hard dentifrice is desirable and useable. However, a device that utilizes a liquid dentifrice that can be used with the same convenience while providing increased control of the application of the liquid dentifrice would provide an oral hygiene device with even greater desirability than that taught in the Kaminski Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,417. A liquid dentifrice for use with a combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser is necessary for the successful utilization of a oral hygiene device utilizing a spray dispenser or a roll-on dispenser.

OBJECTS

The objects of this invention are to provide a combination toothbrush as follows:

-   -   1. A combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser that is         convenient for use when traveling.     -   2. A combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser that is         capable of readily dispensing a proper measure of liquid         dentifrice.     -   3. A combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser that         provides easy application of a liquid dentifrice.     -   4. A combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser that is         dependable and desirable and reasonably economical to produce.     -   5. A liquid dentifrice for use with the oral hygiene device and         otherwise that provides oral hygiene; and     -   6. A liquid dentifrice that is refreshing.     -   7. A liquid dentifrice that is economical to produce.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An oral hygiene device for brushing teeth is provided. The device includes a case. The case has a center section, a brush mount, a dentifrice mount and a pair of caps. The caps are detachably mounted on the center section. The brush mount and the dentifrice mount extend in opposite directions from the center section and are within the caps. A dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice is mounted in the dentifrice mount and a toothbrush is mounted in the brush mount.

The liquid dentifrice contains a majority by weight of water and glycerin to provide a washing and cleaning. Silica is included to provide a gentle abrasive action while carbonide peroxide is used as a whitener. Sodium citrate is included to reduce acidity and fluoride is added to provide decay prevention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene device with the toothbrush retracted and the dentifrice dispenser as a spray dispenser and with the caps in place.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene device having a roll-on dispenser with the cap in place.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view oral hygiene device with the toothbrush extended and the dentifrice dispenser as a spray dispenser and with the caps removed.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser portion of the oral hygiene device having a roll-on dispenser with the cap removed.

FIG. 3A is a pictorial view of the oral hygiene device with the cap removed from the toothbrush showing the toothbrush extended and with the cap in place over the liquid dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of the oral hygiene device with caps removed from the liquid dispenser showing a spray dispenser and with the cap over the toothbrush.

FIG. 4A is a pictorial view similar to FIG. 4 but of only the liquid dispenser portion of the oral hygiene device showing a roll-on dispenser. DESCRIPTION OF THE NUMERALS NUMBER DESCRIPTION 11 TOOTHBRUSH 12 DENTIFRICE DISPENSER 13 SPRAY DISPENSER 14 ROLL-ON DISPENSER 15 CASE 17 CENTER SECTION 19 BRUSH MOUNT 21 DENTIFRICE MOUNT 22 TOOTHBRUSH DISPENSER 23 CENTER RIM 25 LIPS 27 CAPS 29 SMALL OPENINGS

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1 an oral hygiene device is shown including in combination both a toothbrush 11 and a dentifrice dispenser 12. The dentifrice dispenser 12 may be either a spray dispenser 13 or a roll-on dispenser 14. The entire oral hygiene device is mounted and enclosed within a case 15 which has several parts. It is most preferred that the oral hygiene device be produced in one piece with both the toothbrush 11 and the dentifrice dispenser 12 in the same case 15 as both are essential to one another and one could be separated from the other if not retained within the case 15.

The case 15 has a center section 17 and a brush mount 19 and a dentifrice mount 21 for the dentifrice dispenser 12. The brush mount 19 and the dentifrice mount 21 are secured to the center section 17 and extend from the center section 17 in opposite directions but are axially aligned with one another. The brush mount 19 and the dentifrice mount 21, in their simplest form, are a sleeve, most preferably cylindrical, in which the toothbrush 11 and the dentifrice dispenser 12 are respectively fixedly mounted. In a more advanced embodiment, the toothbrush 11 may be capable of being advanced and retracted. The means for advancing and retracting the toothbrush 11 are known in the art and have been used for many years in lipstick containers and lip balm containers. The advancing and retracting of the toothbrush 11 may be activated by turning the toothbrush dispenser 22 which is a propel-repel design and which is located in the brush mount 19. The toothbrush dispenser 22 is shown in simplified form as both a propel-repel dispenser and already exist as a fixed dispenser. The earlier patent to Kaminski, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,417 includes references to prior art describing propel-repel dispensers 22.

The center section 17 of the case 15 includes a center rim 23. The case 15 is most preferably tubular in shape for ease of production as well as convenience of use, but a square, rectangular or even oval cross section is possible. Extending in both directions from the center rim 23 are a pair of lips 25 having a diameter of a size smaller than the center rim 23 which serve as the brush mount 19 and the dentifrice mount 21. The toothbrush dispenser 22 and the dentifrice dispenser 12 are mounted in the brush mount 19 and the dentifrice mount 21 respectively.

The toothbrush dispenser 22 and the dentifrice dispenser 12 are both covered by caps 27. The caps 27 are shaped to fit securely over the lips 25 and against the center rim 23. The caps 27 may be clear or opaque or completely block sight of the dentifrice dispenser 12 and the toothbrush 11. The cap 27 to be placed over the toothbrush 11 preferable has small openings 29 about its end to permit ventilation for the toothbrush 11 so that the toothbrush 11 can dry after each use.

In use, first the cap 27 over the dentifrice mount 21 is removed. The cap 27 over the toothbrush 11 is left in place to use as a handle. The dentifrice dispenser 12 is then used to apply the dentifrice, which is liquid, either by spray with the spray dispenser 13 or by applying with the roll-on dispenser 14. The cap 27 is then placed back over the dentifrice dispenser 12 and the cap 27 located over the toothbrush 11 is then removed and the toothbrush 11 is then used in the usual manner. A limited amount of water is of assistance, but the teeth can be cleaned without water if the situation so requires. The liquid dentifrice, described herein after, contains water to eliminate the need for additional water.

The production of the dentifrice as a liquid is vital to the oral hygiene device. The liquid dentifrice is retained within the dentifrice dispenser 12 being, as previously stated, either a spray dispenser 13 or a roll-on dispenser 14. The dentifrice dispenser 12 is a container that is sufficiently strong as not to be readily punctured. The dentifrice dispenser 12 is fitted snugly into the dentifrice mount 21 but the dentifrice dispenser 12 may be removed by hand from the dentifrice mount 21. This is particularly important to permit replacement of the dentifrice dispenser 12 when the dentifrice has been consumed. The location of the dentifrice dispenser 12 within the dentifrice mount 21 surrounds the dentifrice dispenser 12 within the dentifrice mount 21 assuring that the dentifrice dispenser 12 will not readily be punctured or fractured.

The spray dispenser 13 may be pressurized and operate in the same manner as the numerous pressurized spray containers operate that are commercially available. A pump spray may also be used as a separate version of the spray dispenser 13. The liquid dentifrice could also be used in the home but probably would be dispensed from a larger spray or roll-on container.

Glycerin and water provide the greatest percent by weight of the liquid dentifrice. The water dilutes the solution and provides a cleaning solution. Its inclusion in the liquid dentifrice eliminates the need to add water. Glycerin provides a gentle cleansing of the oral cavity. A gentle abrasive action is provided by silica. Carbonide Peroxide, which is non-reactive, serves as a whitener. The solution is alkalized by sodium citrate to reduce acidity. A peppermint oil serves as a flavoring but other flavoring could also be used. Fluoride, known to be included in various commercially available toothpastes, provides decay prevention while food coloring provides a desirable color. A variety of coloring agents could be used providing different colors.

A specific formula to produce a preferred liquid dentifrice by weight-to-weight percentages, and a range of each ingredient by weight-to-weight percentages, is set forth below. RANGE OF PERCENT INGREDIENTS PERCENT BY WEIGHT BY WEIGHT Water 44.75% 39.75%-49.75% Glycerin 30.00% 25.0%-35.0% Sodium Citrate 10.00%  5%-15% Silica 5.00% 2%-8% Carbonide Peroxide 8.00%  3%-13% Peppermint Oil 1.00% 0.5%-1.5% Fluoride .25% .10%-.4%  FD & C Blue 1.00%    .05-1.5% Food Coloring

The liquid dentifrice either applied by the spray dispenser or the roll-on dispenser produces a refreshing dental cleanser that can be placed on the teeth in a controlled manner by either a spray dispenser 13 or a roll-on dispenser 14.

It is to be understood that the drawings and description matter are in all cases to be interpreted as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, rather than as limiting the same in any way, since it is contemplated that various elements to achieve like results without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An oral hygiene device for brushing teeth comprising: a case including a center section, a brush mount, a dentifrice mount and a pair of caps, the caps being mounted detachably on the center section, the brush mount and the dentifrice mount extending in opposite directions from the center section and being within the caps; and a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice mounted within the dentifrice mount and a toothbrush mounted within the brush mount.
 2. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1 wherein the dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice is a spray dispenser.
 3. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1 wherein the dentifrice dispenser is a roll-on dispenser.
 4. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1 wherein one cap has ventilation openings.
 5. An oral hygiene device for brushing teeth comprising: a case including a center section, a brush mount, a dentifrice mount and a pair of caps, the center section including a center rim and a pair of lips, the lips being smaller than the center section and larger than the dentifrice mount and the brush mount, the caps being detachably mounted on the lips of the center section, the brush mount and the dentifrice mount extending in opposite directions from the center section; and a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice mounted within the dentifrice mount and a toothbrush mounted within the brush mount.
 6. The oral hygiene device according to claim 5 wherein the dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice is a spray dispenser.
 7. The oral hygiene device according to claim 5 wherein the dentifrice dispenser is a roll-on dispenser.
 8. A liquid dentifrice comprising: a majority by weight of water and glycerine to provide washing and cleaning: silica to provide a gentle abrasive action; carbonide peroxide as a whitener; sodium citrate to reduce acidity; and fluoride to provide decay prevention.
 9. The liquid dentifrice according to claim 8 wherein the liquid dentifrice further includes: a flavoring: and a coloring agent.
 10. A liquid dentifrice comprising: water in a percentage range by weight of 39.75% to 49.75%; glycerin in a percentage range by weight of 25.0% to 35.0%, the water and glycerin providing a cleansing agent; sodium citrate to reduce acidity in a percentage range by weight of 5.0% to 15.0%; silica as an abrasive in a percentage range by weight of 2.0% to 8.0%; and Carbonide peroxide as a whitener in a percentage range by weight of 3.0% to 13.0%.
 11. The liquid dentifrice according to claim 10 further including: flavoring and coloring in a percentage range by weight of 0.55% to 3%.
 12. The liquid dentifrice according to claim 10 further including fluoride in the percentage range by weight of 0.10% to 0.4%.
 13. The liquid dentifrice according to claim 10 further including: peppermint oil in the percentage range by weight of 0.5% to 1.5%. fluoride in the percentage range by weight of 0.10% to 0.40%; and FD and C blue food coloring in the percentage range by weight of 0.25% to 1.5%.
 14. An oral hygiene device for brushing teeth comprising: a case including a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing a liquid dentifrice mounted within the dentifrice mount, the dentifrice dispenser containing a liquid dentifrice including: a majority by weight of water and glycerine to provide a washing and cleaning: silica to provide a gentle abrasive action; carbonide peroxide as a whitener; sodium citrate to reduce acidity; and fluoride to provide decay prevention.
 15. The oral hygiene device according to claim 14 wherein the water is in a percentage range by weight of 31.75% to 49.75% and the glycerine is in a percentage range by weight of 28.0% to 35.0%. 